Although DMX's debut, "It's Dark & Hell Is Hot," is still faring well on the "Billboard" album charts -- holding its own at number 33 after seven months on store shelves, the rapper is already set to release his second album.

The reason behind the incredibly quick turn-around time between DMX's two records has only recently become clear - and involves his label, Def Jam, which is on the verge of being bought out. As a result, the label is trying to clear as many finished records from its vaults, and has launched a No Limit-like release schedule, with albums from Redman, DJ Clue and Foxy Brown all due out by mid-January. As for DMX, the canine crusader will release "Blood of My Blood, Flesh of My Flesh," with appearances from Jay-Z, the Lox, Mary J. Blige and Marilyn Manson, on December 22, while the first single from the record is entitled "Slippin'."